DUBAI (Reuters) – Iran dismissed accusations by the United States that it was behind attacks on Saudi oil plants that disrupted world oil production and warned on Sunday that U.S. bases and aircraft carriers in the region were in range of its missiles.

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group claimed responsibility for Saturday’s attacks that knocked out more than half of Saudi oil output. But U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said there was no evidence the attacks came from Yemen and accused Iran of “an unprecedented attack on the world’s energy supply.”

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi, speaking on state TV, dismissed the U.S. claim as “pointless”. A senior Revolutionary Guards commander warned that the Islamic Republic was ready for “full-fledged” war and that U.S. military assets were within range of Iranian missiles.

“Everybody should know that all American bases and their aircraft carriers in a distance of up to 2,000 kilometers around Iran are within the range of our missiles,” the head of the Revolutionary Guards Corps Aerospace Force Amirali Hajizadeh was quoted as saying by the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

State-run oil company Saudi Aramco said the strikes would cut output by 5.7 million barrels per day, or more than 5% of global crude supply, at a time when Aramco is gearing up for a stock market listing.

Aramco gave no timeline for when output would resume but said early Sunday it would give a progress update in around 48 hours. A source close to the matter told Reuters the return to full oil capacity could take “weeks, not days”.

The kingdom, the world’s top oil exporter, ships more than 7 million barrels of oil to global destinations every day, and for years has served as the supplier of last resort to markets.

The United States said it was ready to tap its emergency oil reserves if needed after the attack on two oil plants, including the world’s biggest petroleum processing facility in Abqaiq.

“Abqaiq is the nerve center of the Saudi energy system. Even if exports resume in the next 24-48 hours, the image of invulnerability has been altered,” Helima Croft, global head of commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets, told Reuters.

Saudi authorities have yet to directly blame any party for Saturday’s pre-dawn strikes, which they said involved drones, but the energy minister linked it to a series of attacks on Saudi oil assets and crude tankers in Gulf waters.

SAUDI READY TO ACT

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said there was no evidence the attacks came from Yemen, where a Saudi-led military coalition has been battling the Houthis for over four years in a conflict widely seen as a proxy war between regional rivals Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia and Shi’ite Iran.

Riyadh has accused Iran and its proxies of being behind previous attacks claimed by the Houthis on oil pumping stations and Shaybah oilfield, charges Tehran denies.

Some Iraqi media outlets said the attack originated from Iraq, where Iran-backed paramilitary groups have wielded increasing power but Iraq denied this on Sunday and vowed to punish anyone who intended to use Iraq as a launchpad for attacks in the region.

Regional tensions have escalated after Washington quit an international nuclear deal and extended sanctions on Iran to choke off its vital oil exports, a move supported by U.S. Gulf allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The attack comes after U.S. President Donald Trump said a meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was possible at the United Nations General Assembly in New York later in September. Tehran ruled out talks until sanctions are lifted.

“Amid all the calls for de-escalation, Iran has now launched an unprecedented attack on the world’s energy supply,” Pompeo said in a Twitter post on Saturday.

Saudi de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told Trump by telephone on Saturday that Riyadh was willing and able to deal with the “terrorist aggression”.

Turkey, an ally of Iran, condemned the attack but called for avoiding “all sorts of provocative steps” that could damage regional security and stability, the foreign ministry said.

A senior Emirati official said the UAE, Riyadh’s main partner in the Western-backed military coalition in Yemen, would fully support Saudi Arabia as the assault “targets us all”.

Related Coverage

France condemns attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure

The UAE, concerned about rising tensions with Iran and Western criticism of the Yemen war, in June scaled down its military presence, leaving Riyadh to try to neutralize the Houthis to prevent Iran from gaining influence along its border.

The conflict has been in military stalemate for years. The alliance has air supremacy but has come under international scrutiny over civilian deaths and a humanitarian crisis that has seen Yemen pushed to the brink of famine.

The Houthis, who have proved better at guerrilla warfare, have stepped up missile and drone attacks on Saudi cities, complicating U.N. peace efforts to end the war. Riyadh accuses Iran of arming Houthis, a charge both of them deny.

The leaders made the pledge after a summit in Burkina Faso aimed at addressing rising insecurity in the Sahel.

West African leaders meeting in Burkina Faso have announced a one-billion-dollar plan to combat rising insecurity in the Sahel region.

The pledge, to be funded from 2020 to 2024, was announced on Saturday at the end of the Economic Community Summit of West African States (ECOWAS) in Ouagadougou, where members of the bloc were joined by Mauritania and Chad.

ECOWAS had decided to mobilise “the financial resources of up to a billion dollars for the fight against terrorism”, said Niger’s President Mahamadou Issoufou.

The money, paid into a common fund, would help reinforce the military operations of the countries involved – and those of the joint military operations in the region. Full details of the plan would be presented to the next ECOWAS summit in December.

Fighters with links to the al-Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS) armed groups have strengthened their foothold across the arid Sahel region in recent years, making large swathes of territory ungovernable and stoking local ethnic violence, especially in Mali and Burkina Faso.

Backed by France, a multinational military force in the Sahel region began operations in 2017, pulling troops from Mali, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso and Mauritania in a bid to drive back the armed groups.

But a lack of finance, training and equipment, has limited the effectiveness of the G5 Sahel joint taskforce and its numbers – at the moment, the force numbers 4,000 troops, when 5,000 were originally planned.

‘Unprecedented humanitarian crisis’

At the start of the Ouagadougou summit, the president of the ECOWAS Commission, Jean-Claude Brou, pointed to the mounting human, economic and political toll of the violence as he called on the United Nations to strengthen its MINUSMA peacekeeping mission, which has been based in Mali since 2013.

He said, “2,200 attacks in the last four years, 11,500 dead, thousands wounded … millions of displaced and economic activity has been greatly affected.”

Burkino Faso’s President Roch Marc Christian Kabore argued that “threats transcend borders. No country is safe” and that “the escalation of violence has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis” in the Sahel.

Meanwhile, Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara said “MINUSMA and the G5 Sahel are not enough. We have to find wider and more effective means of coordination” while Niger’s Issoufou added that “the international community cannot turn a blind eye and must assume its responsibilities”.

ECOWAS would also ask the World Bank and the IMF to consider security spending as an “investment” and drum up support from Western and Arab donors, he said.

In July, the UN said attacks were spreading so fast in West Africa that the region should consider bolstering its response beyond current military efforts.

“I totally believe we are not winning the war against terrorism in the Sahel and that the operation should be strengthened,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said earlier this month.

This year Annie Louey learned a big lesson: the worst time to enrol in a TAFE course to become a celebrant is during a period of personal heartbreak.

Annie Louey in Don’t Look at Me! (Look at Me), at Coopers Inn small room until Sept 19.

Having performed at Melbourne International Comedy Festival earlier in 2019, Louey delivers a fresh Fringe show that dives deep on relationships. She has the charm to draw the audience right into the conversation.

Twenty minutes in and she's tracked how long all the couples in the room have been together and which app they met through — including interrogating a first date duo on why on earth they've chosen to spend time with her.

Once the room has bonded, Louey reflects on a very busy few months, including an ill-timed breakup and a charity project. She has also been studying so she can be qualified to officiate at weddings, though she reflects that MC-ing funerals may be the more lucrative long-term option.

Prince Harry is the Duke of Sussex and husband of Meghan Markle, 38, who is celebrating his birthday today. Over the last year, Harry has been very busy with the birth of his first child, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, four months. However, by looking at the royal’s horoscope, he may not have anytime to rest in the coming year. A look to the stars show why he could have to face “severe obstacles” in the coming years.

As a result, there will be turmoil in relationships which may fall apart.

zodiacsigns-horoscope.com

Prince Harry has the star sign of a Virgo which means he is likely to have traits including being loyal, kind and hardworking.

By delving deeper into astrology, the stars give a look at what could be in store for Harry over the next year.

He could face a few struggles in the coming year, according to zodiacsigns-horoscope.com.

The website said: “The Virgos will be reckless in their decisions as against their innate nature of being realistic.

“As a result, there will be turmoil in relationships which may fall apart.”

Astrology also reveals he could face many challenges in the coming year, but these can be overcome.

“Overall, the year does not promise to be a great year, and you should be ready to face severe obstacles during the year,” it said.

“However, this will force Virgo people to think more and come out with novel solutions to the problems they are likely to face. In the end, the outcome may be fabulous.”

Despite any difficulties Harry may face as a Virgo, it seems he is set to have a peaceful time at home as Harry continues life as a newlywed.

The website said: “Married couples will have no hiccups in their relationships during the year.”

According to his star sign, he can work on communication and becoming closer in his relationship.

“They can try to improve bonding and try to make the relationship more enjoyable,” it said.

“It is time to remove all confusion in marriage with improved communication. The second half of the year is more favourable for marital life.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had their first child on 6 May 2019 and it is thought Harry gave his wife a sweet gift to celebrate.

After giving birth, she was spotted wearing a third ring on her wedding finger, which could have been given for the birth of Archie or to celebrate their one year wedding anniversary.

It was a rough showing for Team USA in the FIBA World Cup this summer.

The United States, following an 87-74 win against Poland in Beijing on Saturday, finished in seventh place in the tournament — the team’s worst ever finish in a World Cup or Olympics.

Coach Gregg Popovich, however, isn’t here for any criticism coming his team’s way.

“Some people want to play the blame game. There’s no blame to be placed anywhere,” Popovich said Saturday, via ESPN. “They want to play the shame game, like we should be ashamed because we didn’t win a gold medal?

“That’s a ridiculous attitude. It’s immature, it’s arrogant, and it shows that whoever thinks that doesn’t respect all the other teams in the world and doesn’t respect that these guys did the best they could.”

Team USA struggled to fill its roster throughout the tournament, too. Many notable players skipped the tournament — which managing director Jerry Colangelo didn’t appreciate — and only had nine healthy players for the final game on Sunday after losing Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart to injuries.

Popovich, though, defended the players who he did have in China for his inaugural outing at the helm of the national team.

“Their effort was fantastic,” Popovich said, via ESPN. “They allowed us to coach them. You give people credit for what they did, and that’s it. But it’s not a blame and shame game. That’s ridiculous.”

A lot can, and probably should, happen in the coming months for USA Basketball as they prepare for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics next summer.

Popovich, though, isn’t there yet. His focus, along with the rest of the players and coaches who made the trek across the Pacific Ocean for the tournament, will shift back to the NBA ahead of the 2019-20 season.

A post shared by maddie (@maddieziegler) on Nov 20, 2018 at 9:19am PST

We’ve come a long way since Maddie and Mackenzie Ziegler twirled into our hearts on Dance Moms. Maddie was only 8, and Mackenzie was 7 when the show first premiered in 2011, but their musical talents at dance competitions gave performers of all ages a run for their money. Since leaving the show in 2016, the sisters have become accomplished teenagers with admirable careers in fashion, film, and music. Often sharing fun photos of their personal and professional exploits, they’ve grown up right before our eyes. Look ahead to see some of the duo’s cutest pictures together!

PUPILS at a primary school had no chance of becoming teacher’s pet after the head started bringing Selkie “The Pupil Whisperer” to class every morning.

The four-year-old Labrador has become an honorary member of the teaching staff at Bickley Park School in Bromley, South East London, coming in every morning to greet the pupils.

She is now helping those who suffer with cynophobia — the fear of dogs — as well as acting as a talking therapy provider for those who need extra support in difficult times.

Children can tell her their problems without feeling judged.

The patient pooch is loved by all the pupils and staff and has helped one little boy with cynophobia to get to grips with his fear.

Pupil Alex Awolola, 13, was so scared of dogs he had five lessons at a centre that introduced dogs to those suffering from cynophobia. This allowed him to get to know pooches on a basic level, but when he went back to school he had to test out what he had been taught with Selkie.

Alex says he was very nervous on his first day back, but by day two he went to the head teacher’s office and managed to stroke Selkie, claiming it was “mission accomplished” and he felt “proud of himself”.

Selkie’s owner, headteacher Patrick Wenham, says: “Dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend but for those who have a genuine fear of encountering them, life can be very difficult.

‘CAN RELAX AND SOOTHE’

“Selkie has been heavily involved in the school community. Having her present is proving invaluable for those who have a fear to overcome or those that just need to trust someone who won’t pass judgment.

“Research has shown that stroking animals has a positive effect on mood, and can help relax and soothe people.

“Selkie is a very calm, good-natured dog who is happy to take the role of pupil therapist.

“She is looking forward to helping more children in any way she can.”

Stars of the week

MEET Rodney and Ralph – two pygmy goats who are best buddies and pets to the homeless.

The playful pair live at Emmaus Sheffield, a charity-run community that supports people who used to live on the streets.

Rodney and Ralph, who are both aged five, are not just best buddies to each other but to all their loving owners.

They were purchased for an animal corner at the community thanks to a grant from Sheffield University’s rag-week collections. And pygmy goats were chosen for their friendly nature.

Amy Simpson, a spokeswoman for Emmaus, says: “Many of the formerly homeless people, who the charity care for, are responsible for looking after Ralph and Rodney.

“They help those who have experienced homelessness overcome loss of self-esteem by giving them a purpose.

“They have proved a huge hit.”

Pet vet

SEAN McCORMACK, head vet at tailored food firm tails.com, is on a mission to help pets.

NATALIE WALSH, from Durham, has got a cat called Suzie. She says: “I am moving home soon and am worried about Suzie wandering off.

“She loves to have a little wander and then come back. I’ve heard that you should put butter on their paws and they will return to a new home. Is that right?”

Sean says: “This is a bit of a myth and may not be very effective. I think it’s more likely to be a distraction for Suzie licking the butter off before heading out on her merry way to explore.

“It’s far more helpful to keep her in for several weeks when you move home so she gets used to her new surroundings.

“Then invest in a cat harness and lead when first letting her out to explore the garden each day for the next few weeks. Then let her out during the day at first but keep her in at night when there are more hazards around.

“It’s a gradual process and the slower the better.”

STEPHEN BARROW, from Morecambe, has a cocker spaniel called Woody. He says: “He is nine and loves running for a ball but lately when he does he seems to grab the ball, limp a tiny bit and then run it off.

“By the time he comes back to me his legs are fine. Should I be worried?” Sean says: “This sounds like Woody may have a niggling problem with the affected leg. I’d worry about his cruciate ligament in particular.

“Dogs that chase balls and come to an abrupt stop place a lot of pressure on the cruciate ligament, which is designed to prevent the upper bone of the hind leg sliding forward over the lower bone when ‘braking’.

“If the ligament is partially torn or inflamed, that could explain why his limp is temporary and only happens right when he brakes for the ball.

“It’s best to get your vet to do a physical exam, at least to rule out this problem, as it could get worse if left untreated.”

WIN cat gift box

IF you are crazy about cats our latest giveaway is just purr-fect.

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The monthly subscription service offers treats for cats and their humans as well as one-off gift boxes.

It includes hand-picked, top quality food and toys for your furry friend as well as unique, quirky cat-themed gifts and goodies for yourself. See cattitudebox.com.